The enemy has felt us twice, at great loss and demoralization; will report at length this evening; am now much worn out.
W.T.SHERMAN, Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION Pittsburg Landing, March 19, 1862.
Captain RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General to General GRANT, Savannah, Tennessee.
SIR: I have just returned from an extensive reconnoissance toward Corinth and Purdy, and am strongly impressed with the importance of this position, both for its land advantages and its strategic position.

The ground itself admits of easy defense by a small command, and yet affords admirable camping-ground for a hundred thousand men.

I will as soon as possible make or cause to be made a topographical sketch of the position.

The only drawback is that, at this stage of water, the space for landing is contracted too much for the immense fleet now here discharging.
I will push the loading and unloading of boats, but suggest that you send at once (Captain Dodd, if possible) the best quartermaster you can, that he may control and organize this whole matter.

I have a good commissary, and will keep as few provisions afloat as possible.